2011 Kia Forte
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 161 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 16 Forte model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 28 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 35 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleJun 1, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Campaign 18V363000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, cooling unit and linesFeb 5, 2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Forte vehicles manufactured August 27, 2010, to November 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission cooler hose, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC129.
Campaign 16V070000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
28 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 31, 2026, fire
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, a bystander went into the contact's place of employment and stated that there was a fire inside the vehicle in the parking lot. The contact became aware that his vehicle was the one on fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to parking the vehicle. The cause of the failure was unknown. The contact's wife attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but was unable to extinguish the fire. The contact called the Fire Department, and the firemen were able to extinguish the fire and were required to remove the dashboard in order to extinguish it. The Fire Department filed a report. A Police report was filed. The contact stated that his wife sought medical attention for smoke inhalation. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the TPMS, red brake light, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was jumping and jerking during acceleration and deceleration. After restarting the vehicle, there was resistance while accelerating, and the jerking persisted. The contact stated that the failures started one week after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then driven to a dealer, but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 273,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood, and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed pollution control system. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken for the State Inspection, and the vehicle failed the inspection due to a failed pollution system. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the failure described in the recall notification indicated a possible engine fire. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 21, 2025, fire
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an unusual ticking sound and smoke coming from under the hood. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed smoke that was coming from the HECU fuse box. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle had been at the dealer for three weeks without any communication from the dealer. The contact was unsure if the vehicle had been inspected or not. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 18, 2024
Recalls
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning wiring odor inside the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 28,800. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the parts were available, an appointment was made. The contact stated when she arrived for the appointment, after waiting for 3 hours, the dealer made her aware that the part was not available and that the system was down. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact attempted to make the manufacturer aware of the issue, however; the contact only had the option to hear an automated recording. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Jun 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine, ABS, and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) warning lights were illuminated. There was a burning odor emitting from underneath the hood near the engine compartment. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 200,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 27, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that he had parked the vehicle and upon walking towards the vehicle, he noticed that the front end of the vehicle had caught on fire. The origin of the fire was unknown. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report and a police report were filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was totaled. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) that he related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Air bags, Service brakes, Jul 30, 2023
No incident yet, but I see other Kia's that have been recalled for powertrain system and air bag issues. The power train issue comes up when I get my engine light checked and the airbag light is on. Also, a constant problem is the break switch, the push button car won't start sometimes and the steering wheel doesnt lock because immobilizer Is a problem and other Kia's have been recalled but not mine, instead they sent me a wheel car lock. I see online so many people complaining about the push button car not starting like mine which may be due to the immobilizer issue and theft. It is annoying to see other vehicle recalled but not mine.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 16, 2021
BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATES WHEN CAR IS OFF, I HAVE TO PUSH UP ON BRAKE PEDAL TO TURN IT OFF. WHILE DRIVING IT SEEMS LIKE THE BRAKE ENGAGES CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE POWER, I HAVE TO STEP OFF THE GAS, AND REAPPLY AND SOMETIMES IT STILL FEELS LIKE THE BRAKE IS STILL ENGAGED. THIS ISSUE DOES HAPPEN AT LEAST 3 TIMES DAILY. PUSHING UP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL DOES GET IT TO STOP UNTIL I HAVE TO BRAKE. WHILE DRIVING MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE. I HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH TWICE IN 2021, THINKING THIS WOULD FIX THE ISSUE AND IT DOES NOT. HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR THE PAST COUPLE MONTHS
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 4, 2020
BRAKE LINE BURST NEAR CENTER OF CAR WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. MAINTAINED ENOUGH BRAKE PRESSURE TO COME TO A SAFE STOP. INVESTIGATION REVEALED EXCESSIVE RUSTING OF BRAKE LINES RUNNING FROM FRONT TO REAR OF VEHICLE, PARTICULARLY AT CONTACT POINTS WITH EACH RESTRAINT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, May 21, 2019
BRAKE LIGHT STAY ON ALL THE TIME EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS SHUT OFF
Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jan 15, 2019
I GOT INTO AN AUTO ACCIDENT A YEAR AGO AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. I DISCOVERED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS STILL DRIVABLE BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER ONE. WELL JUST THE OTHER DAY MY INSIDE DASH LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS , WELL BASICALLY ALL LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING IN AND OUT. MADE THE CAR BREAK DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY. NEW FUEL PUMP, CHECKED STARTER AND ALTERNATOR. ALL OF THOSE ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. BUT MY CAR IS STILL BROKE DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.
Air bags, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 28, 2015
TOOK MY 2011 KIA FORTE INTO THE KIA DEALERSHIP TODAY BECAUSE THE ENGINE IS MAKING A TICKING SOUND. I HAVE HAD TWO OTHER MECHANICS IN RECENT WEEKS TELL ME IT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE LIFTERS AND/OR THE PISTONS INSIDE THE ENGINE. THE KIA MECHANIC REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A TICKING SOUND, BUT IN FORMED ME THE AIR BAG SENSOR IS MALFUNCTIONING AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY $1100 TO HAVE THE AIR BAG SENSOR REPAIRED BEFORE I CAN SELL THE CAR. ALSO, MY BRAKES WILL OCCASIONALLY MAKE A VERY LOUD 'THUMP' WHEN I APPLY THEM, BUT THE KIA DEALER CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THEM.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Feb 24, 2015
CAR WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK. I HAD NO IDEA AT THE TIME WHAT THE ISSUE COULD BE BECAUSE IN THE KIA OWNERS MANUAL IT DOES NOT STATE THAT ONCE THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OUT, YOU CAN NOT TAKE IT OUT OF PARK. CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR UNTIL I USED THE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE TO TAKE IT OUT OF GEAR. DROVE IT HOME AND FOUND A BLOWN FUZE (BRAKE LIGHT FUSE) .. REPLACED IT AND DROVE FINE (WHILE IT WAS DOING THIS THE ELECTRICAL SUSPENSION LIGHT CAME ON ALSO). FAST FORWARD 7 DAYS, WAS DRIVING OUT OF TOWN AND THE SUSPENSION LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY AND I KNEW THEN THE ISSUE WAS BACK. SURE ENOUGH. HAD TO TAKE IT TO A KIA DEALERSHIP OUT OF TOWN .. THEY REPLACED MY FUZE, BRAKE LIGHT BULB AND BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY SWITCH. FAST FORWARD A WEEK AND A HALF AND THE PROBLEM IS BACK ... KIA IS TELLING ME OVER $1000 AND I'M NOT GOING TO BE GUARANTEED THAT THIS WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. I'M A SINGLE MOTHER AND PURCHASED THIS CAR BECAUSE I FELT IT WOULD BE A SAFE CAR FOR ME AND MY SON AND NOW I'M STUCK WITH A CAR THAT IS NOT SAFE ... NO BRAKE LIGHTS ARE SERIOUSLY NOT SAFE AT ALL!!! *JS